Young Toddler Peek at the Week 09.02.25

Dear Parents,

Did you know that confidence is built through nose blowing? That’s right! In a Montessori classroom, even the simplest daily tasks are viewed as meaningful opportunities for children to build independence and confidence. One such task—often overlooked by adults, but deeply empowering for children—is learning how to wipe their nose.

This Practical Life activity is introduced in our young toddler environment, and reinforced in the older classrooms. It is designed not only to support hygiene, but also to encourage autonomy, intentional movement, and body care. 

We have a nose wiping station set up in the room with a wall mirror and a tray of 5 folded tissues. When we notice a runny nose, we model and provide guidance in this way: 

  • Invite the child to come to the mirror.

  • Help them notice something on their nose. We say “mucus.” 

  • Show the tissues and select one, unfolding it slowly and deliberately.

  • Invite your child to select and open a tissue.

  • Face the mirror and demonstrate– again, emphasizing deliberate movements. 

  • ”Pinch and pull” is one phrase that you can use. 

  • Allow the child to try. Assist as needed.

  • Follow up with handwashing to reinforce cleanliness.

Learning to be successful in one simple task, nose wiping, builds confidence and self-reliance. Remember to keep the tissues where your child can reach them. Children love being able to independently take care of their needs! It's the perfect practical life activity that toddlers crave.

Warmly,

Morahs Rachael, Pallavi, and Kristy

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 8.25.25

Dear Parents,

As parents of toddlers, you know how eager and excited they are to learn about how the world around them works! Developing their fine motor skills so that they can explore the world is essential for independence, concentration, and academic preparedness like writing. In our classroom this week, we have added several new materials designed for this purpose: “Recuse the animals” engages the children to delicately lift and pull rubber bands off miniature animal figurines that are strapped to wooden blocks. Another variation of this you can make at home is taping (with painters tape) animal figurines, small vehicles, or puzzle pieces to the table or floor to remove. We have also added a colander with pipe cleaners that entices the children to push the pipe cleaner through any of the holes. It’s interesting to watch them as they maneuver their fingers, learning through experimentation, at which angle they should grasp the pipe cleaner to successfully fit it through the hole. We also added play doh and a small rolling pin to a shelf. This work provides sensory exploration, as well as fine motor refinement. 

These activities provide hands-on, self-directed learning opportunities, strengthening hand-eye coordination and dexterity while fostering problem-solving skills and self-confidence. 

Labeling Request: Please label all snack and lunch containers with your child’s name. 

Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Warmly,

Morahs Rachael, Pallavi, and Kristy

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 8.18.25

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the Young Toddler Community!

We have enjoyed meeting and reuniting with all five members of our classroom. The children are getting comfortable with their new surroundings and with each other. We are establishing routines and learning about our new friends. 

Our daily schedule is as follows:

9:00-9:30 - Gross Motor Time

9:30 - Snack

9:45-11:00 - Work Cycle 

11:00-11:30 - Lunch

12:00-2:00 - Nap

2:00 - Snack

2:30-3:20 - Work Cycle

3:20-3:30 - Music & Movement I

3:30-4:00 - Gross Motor Time

4:00 - Snack 

4:30 - Music & Movement II

5:00 - Gross Motor Time

We are grateful to have two dedicated work cycles each day. Work cycles are when the magic happens in a Montessori classroom. Work cycles are uninterrupted times for us to give lessons, observe the children with the materials, and really protect and encourage the child’s focus. More so than in other styles of learning, as Montessori teachers, we are trained to “sit on our hands” and “bite our tongues,” thereby respecting the child’s concentration and minimizing external stimuli and distractions. 

In mid-September, Ms. Joanie’s Music begins on Wednesday mornings. This is the highlight of the week, with interactive sing-a-longs, ukulele playing, and a variety of additional unique instruments. Because music and movement are so important to development, we make sure to also incorporate a daily music and movement session to our afternoon routine! This regular part of our day offers a wonderful way for your toddlers to learn and grow. We love this creative time for your child to express themselves, gain confidence, and connect with friends and teachers in a new way. 

We can't wait to share these parts of the day and more special moments with your little one this year!

Please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Warmly,

Morahs Rachael, Pallavi, and Kristy